Latest News
- Laredo Authorities Investigate Deaths of Six Found in Train Boxcar
- Championship — Tuesday’s 12th May fixtures
- Spanish authorities evacuate British passengers from hantavirus-hit cruise ship
- EU commissioner urges member states to open accession talks for Ukraine
- Scientists warn that Euphrates River could face severe drying by 2040
- EPP pushes for EU-US trade deal discussions, Socialist chair insists on 19 May
- Laos detains hostel owner as investigation into methanol poisoning continues
- Sanctions target Hamas amid international criticism of Israel’s settlements
Europe
The parish church of St Andrew in Würzburg, Germany, will be repurposed as a bouldering centre, reflecting a growing trend to utilise underused church buildings. Set to open in summer 2027, the project highlights the challenges facing congregations amidst declining membership and rising maintenance costs.
Niger has suspended nine French media outlets, including France 24 and AFP, citing threats to public order and national unity. The immediate ban affects all broadcasting platforms and comes ahead of a significant France-Africa summit, with anti-French sentiment escalating amid ongoing military rule in the region.
Florent Montaclair, a professor of language science, faces criminal charges including forgery and fraud as a Montbéliard investigation scrutinises his alleged fabricated academic credentials. His fictitious organisation, claiming prestigious awards, has been exposed, leading to his expulsion from Marie & Louis Pasteur University.
Pope Leo XIV condemned “tyrants” exploiting religion during a visit to Cameroon, addressing the ongoing separatist insurgency in Bamenda. His remarks highlighted the devastation wrought by conflict and economic greed, urging leaders to consider the plight of those suffering in the region as he called for peace and justice.
Rescuers in Germany have postponed plans to save a sick humpback whale, nicknamed Timmy, stranded off the Baltic Sea coast. Following delays, experts aim to mobilise inflatable cushions and pontoons for transport on Friday, amid growing concerns for the whale’s survival, as it remains critically ill.
New combat drones will be deployed by the Lithuania Brigade, comprising approximately 5,000 soldiers, as part of efforts to bolster NATO’s eastern flank defence until the end of 2027. This initiative aims to enhance security capabilities in response to evolving threats.
Sweden’s government has successfully thwarted a pro-Russian cyberattack aimed at a thermal power plant, linked to Russian intelligence. Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin confirmed there were no serious consequences, highlighting increased cyber threats against Swedish infrastructure since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Global Sumud Flotilla organisers announced over 70 boats and 1,000 participants from various countries will take part in the initiative, highlighting a significant international effort aimed at raising awareness for Palestinian rights.
The UK government has approved German media group Axel Springer’s acquisition of The Telegraph for £575 million, concluding a lengthy bid process. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated she would not intervene, alleviating previous competition concerns surrounding the newspaper’s ownership changes.
© 2026 WTX News.